Thurs 13th Oct: Peak to Fong 2011 tickets on sale now!

I can finally let the cat out of the bag with the announcement that this year’s Peak to Fong major sponsor is none other than Disney, and that is reflected in the T-shirts that feature Mickey Mouse and his faithful friend, Pluto (who I’m sure is a rescue dog himself).  Of course we’re thrilled to bits and it’s been very difficult trying to keep such a big secret, so it’s a relief that we can finally stop with all the whispering.  Now comes the next stage of getting all of the T-shirts (which are again the tickets) out to those who have bought online, and if you can’t wait there are plenty of outlets where you can buy direct.  Details can be found here:  http://hongkongdogrescue.com/p2f2011

I know I say it every year, but we always sell out of tickets so please buy early if you don’t want to miss out. There are a limited number of T-shirts available, and once they have gone that’s it.

It’s also at this stage that we need to start recruiting volunteers for things like stuffing the goody bags that will be given to every Peak to Fong participant, so if you have the time to help please email volunteers@hongkongdogrescue.com and specify that you want to be a Peak to Fong volunteer (so you won’t be asked to do a dog walking orientation first!).

A big part of Peak to Fong is always the raffle, and every year the prizes get bigger and better. In the past couple of years one of the top prizes has been a $10,000 Lane Crawford shopping card, but this year that has doubled to $20,000!  That’s a big buy-what-you-like shopping opportunity, and even just for that it’s worth trying your luck.  There’s also two Business Class Cathay Pacific tickets and nights at some of Hong Kong’s top hotels, beauty treatments and products, wines and dinners, and tons more.  I’ll be giving out more details in the run-up to the big day itself, as well as other information so you know what to do and what to expect (although there will still be surprises!)

Another major part of Peak to Fong is the Sponsored Walk, and this means getting sponsors for the walking part of the event, from the Peak to Lan Kwai Fong, where the actual street party takes place.  This year for the first time we’re including corporate teams to compete with each other to see who can raise the most money (and wear the most outrageous costumes), and there are great prizes for both individuals and teams.  It’s very easy to take part in this, just download the sponsor form and get your friends, relatives, work colleagues and strangers on the street to sponsor you.

As a reminder of what Peak to Fong is all about, this is our major fundraiser and what we rely on to see us though the coming twelve months.  We don’t receive any regular grants from any source, and everything runs on individual donations and the income from HKDR merchandise,  as well as the small events that take part throughout the year.  Our target this year, with the help of Disney, is to reach a million dollars, and while that seems like a lot of money (which it is), our monthly running costs are enormous too.  Our dogs will insist on eating, and there are  regular outgoings like flea, tick and heartworm prevention, vet bills (huge), site maintenance and paying the (albeit few) staff members.  We are also still trying to raise funds for that long-dreamed-of permanent site, and that is an ongoing quest.

For the most part those who keep HKDR running are (like myself) volunteers, and that includes the Events Team who have been so amazing, and have worked so hard, on this year’s Peak to Fong.   There’s a lot still to be done, of course, but for today they can rest.

Margie's happy to be back on Lamma

Nothing else stops for any reason, and it was business as usual for me and everyone at the Ap Lei Chau and Tai Po Homing Centres, as well as Maria, our tireless Foster Coordinator.  There are always foster dogs moving here and there, hopefully into their permanent homes, or needing to see a vet for whatever reason, and it’s Maria who makes all of the arrangements and appointments.  Today I took back Margie, the doglet who will be having surgery on her damaged front leg, because she just wouldn’t settle in her foster home.  Growing up on Lamma doesn’t really prepare dogs for traffic and the daily noise of “real” life, and while most adjust fairly quickly, sometimes it doesn’t work.  I decided that it would be better to send the two young puppies with kennel cough (Elmo and Custer) to a foster home, so arranged an exchange.  I’m not worried about the two youngsters as they are very easy and affectionate puppies who will be quite happy to have some space to themselves.

Mini Peke-cross Bellie will be moving to a new foster home while she waits for a forever home of her own

Elmo has beautiful green eyes and just loves being cuddled